WEST POINT, Ala. – On Monday, Nov. 25, Brandin’ Iron Steakhouse in West Point will host the fourth annual Saving Forgotten Warriors (SFW) free Thanksgiving dinner for veterans and their families. According to Brandin’ Iron General Manager and SFW Board Member Josh Speakman, almost 1,000 meals were served last year, and he hopes to exceed that number this time around.
Volunteers will serve turkey, ham, chicken dressing, sweet potato casserole, green beans, rolls and dessert.
Speakman talked about starting the event.
“We just wanted to do something for the veterans to show how much we appreciate them. You know, they obviously sacrificed; they and their families sacrificed so much for us,” he said. “When I joined the board of SFW, the Saving Forgotten Warriors board, we just did a board meeting and kind of brainstormed over what we could do to really make a big impact, kind of a big statement. Of course, I run the restaurant, the Brandin’ Iron, so it kind of blossomed from there.”
Community support for the yearly event has been huge, according to Speakman.
“We have huge support,” he said. “The community has been excellent in stepping up and helping us out and helping us with it. And we’ve got volunteers, more than enough volunteers, and just people to help us out with it.”
Meals to go, or even delivered to homebound veterans
Veterans are encouraged to come enjoy the fellowship of fellow vets and an appreciative public at the restaurant, but those who need or prefer to dine at home can get their meals at Brandin’ Iron’s pickup window. Also, any veteran in the county who cannot come to the restaurant can call ahead for delivery. On the day of the dinner, volunteers from the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office will deliver the meals. More than 100 local veterans and family members enjoyed their meals at home last year.
For home delivery, call Brandin’ Iron at 256-739-1112 by Saturday, Nov. 23.
Sponsors needed
Brandin’ Iron and SFW are still seeking sponsors to help with the cost of the event, from major contributors to customers willing to pay an extra $10 to sponsor a veteran’s meal. To get involved, call the number above.
Coordinating stacks of food and lines of staff is no simple task, but it is a labor of love for the restaurateur.
Said Speakman, “It’s a pretty big task, but I enjoy it . . . You know, I’m involved in several agencies and organizations, and this is one of my favorite ones of the whole year, if not the favorite.”
Learn more about SFW at www.facebook.com/Savingforgottenwarriors.
At a glance
Saving Forgotten Warriors free Thanksgiving dinner for veterans
Monday, Nov. 25, from noon-6 p.m.
Brandin’ Iron Steakhouse, 87 County Road 1242 in West Point
Free to veterans and immediate family
Home delivery available; call 256-739-1112 by Saturday, Nov. 23.
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